I have struggled with dry flaky skin since first being put on long term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in 2009. I also take furosemide which does not help. I found that Saltine spray helps with the nasal dryness but was unable to deal effectively with the dry flaky skin on arms & legs.

We are advised not to use oil based creams when using oxygen but I have found that aqueous cream does not do anything for my skin. However I have now found a solution. an old fashioned remedy.......Epsom Salt Bath. it has worked wonders in just one use leaving my skin soft, silky & no sign of flaking. I cannot believe that after 4 years I now have soft silky skin.

26 Replies

Hi Jo, thanks so much for sharing this with us. Is it called Saltine spray or did you mean saline nasal spray?

I have used Magnesium flakes and oil which can be expensive but whenever I bath in magnesium I sleep so long and soundly. I also have some Pink Himalayan salts, which are also a luxury but the next best things to soaking the body in the ocean I think

What brand of the Epsom Bath Salts do you have? Is it from the chemist or supermarket?

Hi BlakeyC, I use Sterimar Isotonic nasal spray but I'm sure any saline spray would be of help. I am currently using the Eco Bath from Holland & Barrett which is basically magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) but I'm sure that there are others available at varying prices.

Hi Winebuff,, If you are on LTOT you should have received this advice with your oxygen equipment from your supplier. You could also read the BLF web pages regarding oxygen. Also see link to page where this has been discussed before. healthunlocked.com/!/#blf/p...

Hi Lib. I'm glad to hear that but as oil based products did not work for me I prefer not to take the risk.. I may feel differently if I had found one that worked but as I said Epsom salts bath has solved the problem.

Hi jojam! have you tried Olive oil, coconut oil or there is Eperderm a 3 in 1 emoliant that can be used in the bath & after, from mother of son with asthma, my son also has exceama which gets quite bad sometimes its so frustrating sometimes his skin is like sandpaper mainly his knees elbows & shins or shoulders sometimes he drinks plenty of fluids though so I don't know why he gets so dry I understand how frustrating dry skin is I also have dry skin, Hope this is of help! Would like to know if it helps Good luck!

Thank you Kaz, I'm on oxygen so oil based products are not suitable for my use. I have found that Epsom salts bath has solved my dry skin problems so do not require any help. My post was to inform others in the hope it may be of help. Maybe it would help your son, do let me know if it does.

Your right Epsom salts are great in the bath for getting rid of all the toxins. Another remedy you may want to try is to cut the foot off an old pair of nylon tights and put a large handful of porridge oats and lavender in. Then tie it to the hot water tap as you fill the bath. It creates avery soothing, natural bath, and your skin feels wonderful. I have the same problem, but I do this as often as I can and I find it really helps. Good luck with it, I hope it is of some benefit.

I have COPD and have to use nebulisers and oxygen and was told I could use nothing that contained liquid paraffin. All my skin had become 'flaky' and I was desperate to find something that helped clear it. I did a lot of research before I found Faith in Nature and ordered shower gel, soap, hair shampoo and conditioner. I felt safe using them and am really impressed. My last buy was the moisturiser. After only one use, my skin has radically improved. I will definitely stick to these products in the future and recommend them to anybody else who has the same problem I have.